Felon discovered with cache of firearms

A routine vehicle stop in Winton led to the discovery of a convicted felon in possession of a cache of weapons.

The Merced Sheriff Tactical and Reconnaissance Team stopped the vehicle around noon April 18 in the area of Shaffer Road and Walnut Avenue in Winton. The driver of the vehicle, 34-year-old Arnulfo Delgado, was driving on a suspended license, said sheriff spokesman Deputy Tom MacKenzie.

Delgado has prior felony convictions for narcotics and weapons. He also is a previously deported felon.

The sheriff’s team was granted permission to search the vehicle and inside it they found a .25 caliber handgun in the driver side door panel, along with some .45 caliber bullets in the passenger side door panel and .25 caliber bullets in a bag on the floorboard, MacKenzie said.

A search warrant was obtained for Delgado’s house in the 7500 block of Winton Way, where the sheriff’s team discovered a SKS assault rifle with detachable 30-round magazine; two older model assault rifles; a bullet-proof vest; two dismantled handguns — a .380 and .22 caliber —plus several hundred rounds of ammunition, MacKenzie said.

Delgado’s previous convictions make it illegal for him to possess firearms.

Delgado remains in custody on several weapons violations and for being a felon in possession of ammunition and firearms. He is being held without bail and placed on an immigration hold.